Infographics; A Better Way To Communicate

Given that more than 65% of the population are visual learners, infographics are an incredibly useful tool to present complex data points in a simple and memorable way.
After all, research tell us it only takes us 150ms for our brains to process a symbol and only an additional 100ms to attach a meaning to that symbol. That’s so much more powerful than words alone.

As a designer for IMPACT, I feel you. I’ve been there countless times, sitting there staring at a massive set of data just waiting for the inspiration to turn it into something digestible (in fact, my very first project for IMPACT was an infographic!).
It’s absolutely daunting; all the numbers, the illustrations, the right color scheme…where the heck do you start?
We know there isn’t a formula for creative genius, but there are some guidelines that can help get your wheels turning. Getting started with Infographics is similar to an online presentation.
If you can figure out how to match your data to one of these formats, you’ll be on the right track to getting started with infographics.13 Types of Infographics
1. Mixed-Chart: This is a simple data visualization infographic. You display many charts all under the same title in one cohesive visual narrative.
2. List: As simple as it sounds, a list infographic organizes text about a particular topic with the aid of icons.
3. Timeline: A timeline infographic displays information linearly to show how a subject has developed or changed over time
4. How-To Guide: Show your reader how to accomplish things step by step – this will likely include visual aids such as icons or images with accompanying text.
5. Flowchart: A flowchart starts with a single point and analyzes contributing points that branch off based on different logic or decisions.
6. Comparison: Just like a venn diagram in the fifth grade, this type of infographic compares and contracts two different subjects.
7. Location Based: These types of infographics rely heavily on maps to visualize data.
8. Photo-Graphic: Put an emphasis on photos rather than text to explain the subject or point.
9. Hierarchical: Show the importance of topics by visually stacking them according to their predefined “levels”.
10. Single Chart: Infographics don’t have to be complicated, sometimes less is more. A single chart is exactly how it sounds, a bar or line graph that visualizes specific data.
11. Visualized Number Infographic: Add images to your statistics to make them more engaging and understandable.
12. Anatomical: Break data down for the reader and show them exactly how something “works”.
13. Visual Resume: Make your resume easy to understand by using the aforementioned tactics in a single document.